All articles tagged with #google assistant
Google is edging toward a $68 million class-action settlement over inadvertent recordings captured by Google Assistant devices (the so-called False Accepts). The payout would go to users with accounts linked to affected devices dating back to 2016, while Google denies wrongdoing; the suit stems from a 2019 VRT NWS report and parallels settlements with other tech giants.
Google has agreed to pay $68 million to settle a California class-action accusing Google Assistant of secretly recording private conversations on Android devices and sharing the audio with advertisers; the proposed payout requires court approval and would be distributed to eligible device owners dating back to May 2016, with lawyers potentially taking up to about $22 million in fees; Google denies wrongdoing.
In 2025, several notable tech products and services were discontinued, including TiVo DVRs, Skype, Humane AI Pin, Pocket, Zelle's standalone app, Meta's fact-checking program, Mr. Deepfakes, Google Assistant, and Twitter's domain, reflecting the fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of the tech industry.
The Gemini update for Android Auto introduces more detailed responses and interactions, which some drivers find helpful and others find verbose or problematic, leading to mixed reactions and calls for fixes from Google.
Google is extending the timeline for replacing Assistant with its new AI, Gemini, on Android devices to ensure a smooth transition, with updates continuing into 2025 or possibly beyond, as the company integrates Gemini across its products and devices.
Google has delayed the full replacement of Google Assistant with Gemini on Android devices until 2026, with the transition now planned to be completed by that year, including the discontinuation of the Assistant app on Android and iOS.
Google has begun rolling out Gemini, a new voice assistant that replaces Google Assistant on Android Auto, offering improved natural language understanding and integration with connected apps, initially for beta users, with features like live responses and message translation.
Google is rolling out its new Gemini for Home assistant in the US, which will replace Google Assistant on Nest devices, offering more complex task handling and a conversational tone. Users can request early access via the Google Home app, but once upgraded, they cannot revert to the old Assistant. Some features require a paid Google Home Premium subscription.
Google Maps Driving Mode has been discontinued primarily because Google is replacing its Google Assistant system with a newer AI called Gemini, leading to the feature's removal as it was seen as redundant and inconsistent. Despite its discontinuation, Google Maps remains available, and users will likely benefit from the new AI integration in the future.
Google has completed migrating its Nest smart home devices to the Google Home app, ending a three-year process that consolidates device management and signals a potential new hardware release. Despite past setbacks like product discontinuations and feature reductions, Google is refocusing on software improvements and preparing for a major hardware announcement, raising questions about the future of its smart home ecosystem.
Google teased a new Gemini-powered smart speaker during its Made by Google ’25 event, hinting at a device that will replace Google Assistant in its smart home lineup, with capabilities like smart home control and real-time conversations, though official details are yet to be announced.
Google is launching 'Gemini for Home,' a new AI-powered voice assistant that will replace Google Assistant on Nest devices, offering more natural interactions, better context understanding, and advanced capabilities, with a rollout starting in October and potential new hardware to follow.
Google acknowledges issues with Assistant's reliability in smart home devices and teases major improvements, possibly involving the upcoming Gemini project, expected later this year to enhance user experience.
Google is expanding the rollout of Gemini, a new AI assistant replacing Google Assistant, to older Wear OS 4+ smartwatches from brands like OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi, allowing users to update via the Play Store and enjoy new features and design elements, with full replacement of Google Assistant expected this year.
Google Gemini is rolling out to Wear OS via the Play Store, replacing Google Assistant for some users, with full availability expected in the coming weeks for Wear OS 4+ devices like Pixel Watch and Samsung watches. The update includes new UI elements, complications, and integration features such as controlling exercise and checking health metrics, as part of a mini Pixel Drop in July 2025.